Rangers Youth Academy hosts annual Signing Day with record 44 athletes

ARLINGTON -- On Wednesday morning at Globe Life Field, the Texas Rangers Youth Academy hosted its annual Signing Day presented by Texas Bank and Trust for the Class of 2026 student-athletes committing to furthering their education while playing baseball and softball at the collegiate level.

With a program-record 44 baseball and softball players in this year’s signing class, the Texas Rangers Youth Academy has now seen a total of 187 attendees sign with collegiate programs since opening its doors in 2018.

“Today is really about celebrating these kids, celebrating the parents and families that have poured into them and invested so much to help them achieve their dreams,” said Juan Gárciga, senior director, Youth Academy & Baseball Development.

For Louisiana State University Eunice softball commit Grace Chaisson, who credited the Youth Academy with helping her recover from multiple knee injuries during her youth playing career, Wednesday’s event marked the culmination of years of perseverance and hard work.

“I’ve always wanted to play collegiate ball, and with the Texas Rangers Youth Academy’s help, I’ve been able to do it,” said Chaisson. “It’s just been a great day, and I can’t believe it’s happening.”

South Grand Prairie High School outfielder Daylon Brooks was among the local standouts recognized during Wednesday’s ceremony, officially committing to continue his baseball career just a few blocks south of Globe Life Field at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Since joining the Academy, Brooks has had the opportunity to learn alongside fellow student-athletes navigating the recruiting process, an experience he said has provided valuable perspective throughout his own journey.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned since joining the Academy is that everyone’s path is different,” said Brooks. “Being able to see the paths [other Academy athletes] have taken is a blessing.”

For many members of the signing class, Wednesday’s ceremony represented the latest milestone in a journey that began years ago at the Youth Academy’s campus in West Dallas.

As those student-athletes worked toward the goal of playing at the next level, the Academy was simultaneously building a track record of helping more young people earn collegiate opportunities each year.

“What makes this year’s class unique is that so many of these kids have been with us since they were 11 or 12 years old,” said Gárciga. “To see how far we’ve come from having one athlete signing in a classroom at the Youth Academy to dozens of athletes here at the ballpark is truly special.”